Hi All, I finally pulled the trigger on my Orion 14g scope, or should I say the wife gave the OK to do it. Expected ship date was Feb. 2. More details, pics and first light report when it arrives. I have a solid tube 10" push and pull now and I know that going to a 14" is not the big jump needed for the 1 mag WOW factor, but I feel that having goto and tracking will make up for it.

This is my first big step into goto dobs. I'm sure I will love it ,but there is going to be a lot of things to learn. I'm pretty good with this kind of stuff so I think it will be fun, but I'm sure there will be some frustration and long nights in the living room trying to get it right. I looking forward to every minute of it.

I too just, placed my order for the xx14g. After much diliberation I chose the 14 over the 16 due to size. I will hopefully recieve mine 2-23-13 ish. This will be a considerable jump from my 8inch. I also got the padded case and shroud. I can't wait to get it to a real Dark site.

Thanks for the encourging words. Jason I live in Cocoa, about 30 minutes east of the Orlando airport. I have a haveway decient dark sight in the middle of nowhere off of 520. We should get together some time. PM me if interested. Have you ever been to Chiefland Astronomy Village?

I called Orion and got some great news about the ship date. When I placed the order the expected ship date was Feb 2nd. When I went back to the site just hours later the new ship date was Feb 24. I thought oh no here we go with the slip ship date. When they checked on my order my ship date was actually earlier, Jan 25! It should arrive by Feb 1st.

Took me about a week of countless deliberation in my head and poking around CN, calls to Orion etc.. before I made my choice. I figured it would be a bit more hassel to pull out the 16 than the 14. The height was also a deciding factor. I'm 5'10" and I might still need a step ladder. Good luck in your choice. either one will be a great scope.

Took me about a week of countless deliberation in my head and poking around CN, calls to Orion etc.. before I made my choice. I figured it would be a bit more hassel to pull out the 16 than the 14. The height was also a deciding factor. I'm 5'10" and I might still need a step ladder. Good luck in your choice. either one will be a great scope.

Yes, please guys, keep us informed of your progress. I am considering a 14" too. But if the 16" wasn't so heavy and tall at the zenith, I'd go for it in a heart beat. I want to be able and sit at times, and for sure, not use a step ladder! Sitting is so much more desireable when studying an object. Plus, it easily extends the viewing session b/c it saves on getting tired. I'm 6'0" and have steps to contend with, so portability is important. Each pc s/b under 70 lbs for me. And I think that Orions GOTO is excellent. But tell us about using HEAVY EPs and balance. Also, does the base look waterproof, being I suppose press board.... wet grass, mud and snow here. And with a shroud, how does it do in wind? Perhaps some of the others who already own one can chime in. Good luck with your scopes!
Bob

Hey guys I own the 14g and have it on the JMI buggy, love it .The cases are a great add on good quality! I put a Moonlite focuser. On cause Orion does not give u a compression ring . Dumb! I also put on an 80 mm stellar vue finder!! This scope is well made!!

Well after much consideration I ordered the 14g today through a local Orion dealer who is also a club member. Ship date 2-24 so I should have it in hand about March 1, in time for spring observing. This is definitely a lifetime scope and I am looking forward to seeing it in action and the views it promises.

On the xx14g page on Orion's website there is a short video that shows that pretty well. Looks to me that an observer 5'10" or taller should have the eyepiece right about eye level with the scope at zenith.